Comment Re:Good (Score 1) 181
I asked chatGPT (with refs from 2020-2023) and it basically agreed new growth can capture more carbon (I agree monoculture and pests are an issue). Interesting details e.g. the first article has a figure showing trees that start growing fast don't live as long (I cant seem to share by add images to comments unfortunately). Chat follows
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User
can you provide reference links from articles on this in the last 3 years
ChatGPT
The debate on the carbon sequestration capabilities of old growth forests versus new growth forests is complex, with several studies highlighting different aspects:
1. **Old Growth Forests**: An article in Nature discussed the carbon sink potential of old growth forests and how previous estimates might have been overestimated. It explored various methods for assessing carbon budgets in forests. [Read more here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17966-z).
2. **Young Forests and Carbon Stock**: A study from Nature Geoscience showed that the growth of young forests, particularly in the northern hemisphere, has played a significant role in increasing biomass carbon stock over the past decade. [Read more here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-020-0534-3).
3. **Mature Forests and Larger Trees**: Research highlighted by Frontiers in Forests and Global Change points to the significant role large trees and mature forests play in carbon storage. The study emphasized the global importance of large-diameter trees and their contribution to carbon stocks. [Read more here](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2020.00027/full).
4. **Reforestation Projects**: A study in Scientific Reports assessed the carbon capture potential of reforestation projects, providing insights into how new growth forests can contribute to carbon sequestration. [Read more here](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78910-9).
5. **Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Forests**: The Nature Conservancy's article on forest carbon highlighted the differences between old growth and young forests in terms of carbon storage and sequestration. [Read more here](https://www.nature.org/en-us/magazine/magazine-articles/forest-carbon-101/).
These sources provide detailed insights into the carbon sequestration capabilities of old growth forests versus new growth forests, offering a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
